A Back-to-the-Land Adventure by the Author of “Five Acres and Independence”
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by M. G. Kains
Norton Creek Press. Revised Edition, October 2008, 172 pages. ISBN 0972177094.
Best known for his classic small-farm handbook, Five Acres and Independence, M. G. Kains contributed a second gem to back-to-the-land literature: his true-life adventures in We Wanted a Farm.
Kains shows how he and his family moved from New York City apartments to a full-fledged farm in easy stages: first to a rented suburban house where they grew a large vegetable garden, then in a purchased suburban house where they concentrated on fruits and berries, and finally on a full-blown farm where they went into fruits and berries in a big way. Kains’ “Don’t quit your day job” approach allowed them to gain experience without betting the farm–not until they were ready.
First published in 1941, Norton Creek Press is proud to bring this charming book back into print.
About M. G. Kains
M. G. Kains (1868–1946) was an American agricultural expert and author with a lasting influence on small-scale farming and self-sufficiency. His most famous contribution, Five Acres and Independence (1935), offered practical, experience-based advice for aspiring farmers and homesteaders and went through over 30 printings in its first decade. He also wrote works like We Wanted a Farm and Profitable Poultry Production, blending accessibility with depth. His focus was on sustainable practices and independence through land stewardship.
Kains’ enduring impact stems from his ability to simplify agricultural principles into clear, actionable steps, influencing generations of small-scale farmers. His writings remain relevant, providing timeless strategies for self-reliant living. Through a combination of practical insight and a commitment to empowering individuals, Kains was a pivotal figure in the movement toward sustainable agriculture.
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